Governor Pat Quinn has proclaimed Friday 'Korean War Remembrance Day' in Illinois.
More than 1,700 people from across Illinois died in the Korean War. Some of those who made it back safely were honored Thursday at an event in suburban McCook.
"Too long Korea's been known as the forgotten war. I've also heard it called the war that never was. It was. It really was," said Ken Doumel, Korean War veteran.
"When I talk to these men, we know by body language, and we understand each other, and what we went through," said Eugene Piltaver, Korean War veteran.
The state will also begin a three-year media campaign remembering those who gave their lives.
